Regulatory approval application accepted for Exparel

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted a regulatory approval application for a pain drug made by Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Pacira said Tuesday.

The drug maker submitted its application for the long-acting painkiller Exparel (bupivacaine) in September.

The drug is a topical medication for managing pain following surgery. The FDA expects to finish reviewing the application in July 2011.